WNBA star Dearica Hamby has released a remarkable statement slamming the Las Vegas Aces and accusing the front office of trading her because they feared she would 'get pregnant again'.

The bombshell claims, posted in a lengthy Instagram message on Saturday night, have sparked an investigation from the WNBPA - the players' union - who say the 'serious concerns' are now being looked into.

Hamby, a two-time WNBA All-Star, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, with the Aces also giving away a 2024 first-round pick in exchange for the exclusive negotiating rights to Amanda Zahui B, and the Sparks' 2024 second-round pick.

But, according to Hamby, there is more to the trade than meets the eye, and she has accused the organization of getting rid of her for more sinister off-field reasons.

In her statement, she thanked 'the city of Las Vegas', the team's fans, and the players, before taking aim at the front office.

She began: 'I am heartbroken. Being traded is a part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not. I have had my character and work ethic attacked. 

'I was promised things to entice me to sign my contract extension that were not followed through on. I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false. I was told that I was "a question mark" and that it was said that I said I would "get pregnant again" and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team. 

'I was told that "I didn't hold up my end of the bargain" (Because "no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years"). Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension? I was asked if I planned my pregnancy. When I responded, "no," I was then told that I "was not taking precautions to not get pregnant." 

To the city of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Aces fans, and my teammates:

I genuinely love you all. I trust that you all know this and felt this during my time here. The love for me, my daughter, my family, and even my unborn has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I gave everything had, and up until the disgusting comments that were made to me, I fought to stay here and tried to be amicable. Vegas is nothing without you all. I will not forget the good times and the journey to bring Las Vegas a championship! You have helped make me who I am today. I never imagined going out like this, but you have inspired me in more ways than you will know. Thank you.

With that being said.. I am heartbroken.

Being traded is a part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not. I have had my character and work ethic attacked. I was promised things to entice me to sign my contract extension that were not followed through on. I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false. I was told that I was "a question mark" and that it was said that I said I would "get pregnant again" and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team. I was told that "I didn't hold up my end of the bargain" (Because "no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years"). Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension? I was asked if I planned my pregnancy. When I responded, "no," I was then told that I "was not taking precautions to not get pregnant." I was being traded because "I wouldn't be ready and we need bodies". I planned to play this season, and I have expressed my desire to play this season. I have pushed myself throughout my entire pregnancy and have continued to work out (basketball included) on my own and with team staff - even on days where it was uncomfortable to walk, only to be inaccurately told that "I was not taking my workouts seriously." And "yeah we just don't see that" (with my return). I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect, and disregard from members of management. I have only put this organization first since day one before any of them were here. "You're getting moved regardless and It's best for your career that you move on from the Aces". The unprofessional and unethical way that I have been treated has been traumatizing. To be treated this way by an organization, BY WOMEN who are mothers, who have claimed to "be in these shoes," who preach family, chemistry, and women's empowerment is disappointing and leaves me sick to my stomach. We fought for provisions that would finally support and protect player parents.

This cannot now be used against me.

'I was being traded because "I wouldn't be ready and we need bodies". I planned to play this season, and I have expressed my desire to play this season.'

Hamby has played her entire eight-year WNBA career with the Aces organization, dating back to when they were the San Antonio Silver Stars. 

She announced during the team's championship parade last September that she was expecting her second child.

Her first child, a daughter named Amaya, accompanied her in the team's Covid bubble in Florida during the 2020 season while she was five years old.

In her statement on Saturday, Hamby insisted that she had 'pushed herself' throughout her most recent pregnancy, practising 'even on days where it was uncomfortable to walk.'      

She continued: 'I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect, and disregard from members of management. 

'I have only put this organization first since day one before any of them were here. "You're getting moved regardless and It's best for your career that you move on from the Aces". The unprofessional and unethical way that I have been treated has been traumatizing. 

'To be treated this way by an organization, BY WOMEN who are mothers, who have claimed to "be in these shoes," who preach family, chemistry, and women's empowerment is disappointing and leaves me sick to my stomach. 

'We fought for provisions that would finally support and protect player parents. This cannot now be used against me.'

In a statement released shortly after Hamby's bombshell accusations, the WNBPA wrote: 'A member of our Union has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of members of Las Vegas Aces' management. 

'We will review this matter and we will seek a comprehensive investigation to ensure that her rights under the collectively bargained provisions of the 2020 CBA, as well as her rights and protections under state and federal law, have not been violated.'

When the trade was announced earlier on Saturday, the Aces' general manager Natalie Williams was full of gushing praise for for the 6-foot-3 forward, stating the team would 'miss her as a teammate, and are grateful for all of her contributions to the Aces over the years.'